Product Development

Product Development

We are proud of our record in successfully transforming our customers’ visions from ideas to finished products. Our experienced team and impressive in-house resources make us number one choice to achieve this.

The key to successful product development is communication. We will work closely with you, advising on every aspect of the project from design to the most appropriate development process to use.

Below is a brief summary of our process:

Stage 1: Design for manufacture

Starting from a concept idea, an outline drawing or a mock-up model, our design team can quickly provide detailed drawings that will help you finalise your design requirements.

The team works with you to establish the key features required for your product. By fully understanding your requirements, we can tailor your product to do the job it is intended for.

To ensure the design of your product fulfils these requirements, we use CAD technology via Solidworks™ software, which allows you to visualise the final product. Once happy, we can continue to the simulation stage.

Stage 2: Simulate

Once the designs have been approved, we run a full casting simulation with the goal of developing optimum integrity that will ensure that quality is maintained in the casting process.

CAD models are created to simulate casting, using software methods that mimic this process. This negates the need for actual production trials and gives both you and us a high level of confidence before expensive tooling is manufactured.

Stage 3: Develop

Once your product is designed and has undergone simulation, our technical team liaises with your design engineers to progress to development stage.

Typically, this consultation process includes discussions on a range of points, from viability and cost-saving measures to material options and tolerance considerations. The aim of this review is to balance commercial considerations with practical aspects, such as weight, strength and function.

A single casting trial can take up to 3 weeks to achieve results. However, for more complex projects, this may be longer and there may be additional costs incurred if tooling modifications are required.

Further considerations

• Drawings can be received as hard copies or in electronic format. If sending electronically, please use the following formats: DXF, Parasolid, STEP, IGES, Solidworks™, CATIA or Pro-Engineer.
• Reverse engineered CAD data can be produced on-site at Investacast’s UK facility.
• Fully dimensioned casting and machining drawings highlighting any necessary tolerances are compiled from CAD 3D model files and used for production verification.